Do you wear protective clothing?

[Rudy B]

I'm still a fairly new rider, so I tend to put on my protective jacket, pants, gloves, and boots whenever I go somewhere. But now that I have about 800 miles of experience behind me, I've started to forgo the protective gear when just making short trips into town (5-10 miles or so round trip). Still, I know that most accidents occur close to home, and that if I do take a s****, I will be kicking myself for loosing my skin because I left my leather at home. I am wondering what other bikers do. Do you guys wear full protective gear all the time, or just on the highway? Do you wear jackets and pants? Just jacket when in town? Do you ever bike short distances in sneakers?

[Lele44]

Because I'm a newer rider (I have about 800 miles too) I feel more comfortable in my protective gear. It just keeps my mind on the road and less on the "what ifs". I had a friend who had on a t-shirt and no gloves. His chest, back, wrist, knees and hands were badly scarred. I think of him and his painful recovery every time I think it's too hot to wear my textile jacket.